Polymeric compositions with improved noise suppression

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a method for improving vibration damping of a substrate, such as the underbody of an automobile. The method comprises applying a plastisol which comprises a polymeric component and a plasticizer. The fused plastisol has improved damping behavior as determined using Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis. Novel plastisols and novel plasticizers are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050942 filed Sep. 16, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to improving vibration damping on a substrate. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of plastisols to improve vibration damping on a substrate, such as the underbody of a vehicle. The invention also relates to novel plastisols and plasticizers for improving vibration damping.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The objective of this invention is to provide improved vibration damping performance to metallic substrates. Examples of such substrates include, but are not limited to, those used for the construction of vehicles. More specifically, the objective of this invention is to provide improved vibration damping within the range of temperatures frequently encountered during driving, namely from −30° to 50° C. and most frequently from −10° C. to 40° C. Another objective of this invention is to provide improved vibration damping within this temperature range across the frequencies audible to humans, particularly in the low frequency range of 10 to 200 Hz as described in “Low Frequency Noise. What we know, what we do not know, and what we would like to know”, Leventhall, Geoff, Journal of Low Frequency Noise, Vibration and Active Control 28, 2, pp. 79-104 (2009).

The reduction of noise, vibration, and harshness (often abbreviated as NVH) to humans is a goal of many industrial processes. Exposure to NVH comes from numerous sources, and can be mitigated by various means. For example, laminated safety glass can be comprised of acoustic interlayers which suppress sound transmission. Applications of such acoustic interlayers can include glass panes in commercial and residential buildings and automotive glazing. Other sources of NVH in vehicles include engine noise, road noise, springs and suspensions, braking, and chassis vibration. Noise suppression techniques include component design to reduce vibration and sound transmission; use of composite materials instead of metals; elastomeric sleeves or guards; nonwoven fabrics; carpet or other materials applied to the vehicle interior; foam; liquid-applied damping formulations; and objects produced from viscoelastic materials, such as bitumen or asphaltic pads. Although effective to varying extents depending on the source of the noise, these techniques suffer from limitations. For example, asphaltic pads cannot easily be placed and conformed to some locations on a vehicle body, require manual application, are subject to embrittlement, and must continue to adhere to the metal substrate in order to be effective. Some materials contribute undesired weight to the vehicle, contrary to weight reduction goals designed to improve fuel mileage. Materials which require high temperature and/or long times to cure can slow production, add cost, and result in higher energy usage.

One mode of NVH is through vibration. Polymeric materials can damp, or reduce oscillations of, a substrate by dissipating the oscillation energy with their viscoelastic behavior. A standard measurement of damping utilizes the Oberst method and apparatus. In this method, a material engineered to confer damping behavior is affixed to a stainless steel bar which has negligible damping itself. The effect of the damping material is deduced from the behavior of the sample bar compared to an untreated reference bar. Damping behavior may also be measured using Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis, or DMTA. In this technique, a sample is exposed to a sinusoidal force, generally over a range of temperatures or frequencies. When heated, the modulus of a viscoelastic polymeric substance varies greatly from the glassy state at low temperatures, through the glass transition to a rubbery state, and finally to a lower viscosity molten state. The ratio of the storage modulus to the loss modulus, a value known as the tan δ, is a measure of the material's ability to damp vibrations. Higher tan δ values signify more effective damping behavior. The DMTA tan δ has been shown to correlate well with the Oberst bar testing.

Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is well known in the automotive industry. Plasticized PVC applied as a plastisol in automotive underbody coatings and sealants, after thermal curing, can protect the vehicle from chipping by stones and other materials on the road surface. Such coatings also offer protection against corrosion, for example from salted roads. Plasticized PVC coatings can also provide a low level of reduction of the transmission of vibrations from metallic substrates. However, the performance of plasticized PVC coatings is inadequate to confer satisfactory vibration damping across the range of temperatures and noise frequencies typically encountered without the incorporation of additional damping techniques. These performance deficiencies are exacerbated when the desire to reduce NVH to vehicle passengers over traditional levels is considered. Despite these deficiencies, the ease of application and economy of PVC plastisols make them an appealing potential solution to the reduction of NVH should performance improvements be realized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention is a plasticizer comprising the esterification product formed by the reaction of formula (I)

-   -   R₁COOH (I)         and formula (II)     -   R₂COOH (II)         or the corresponding esters, anhydrides, and/or acid chlorides         of formula (I) and/or formula (II), with formula (III)

R₁ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, tolyl, and cyclohexyl and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, and i-propyl.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a plastisol comprising a polymeric component and a plasticizer. The plasticizer comprises the esterification product formed by the reaction of formula (I)

-   -   R₁COOH (I)         and formula (II)     -   R₂COOH (II)         or the corresponding esters, anhydrides, and/or acid chlorides         of formula (I) and/or formula (II), with formula (III)

R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of an aromatic or an alkyl-substituted aromatic group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms and a linear, branched, or cycloaliphatic alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.

Yet another embodiment is a method of improving vibration damping of a substrate comprising affixing a plastisol onto a substrate. The plastisol comprises a polymeric component and a plasticizer. The plasticizer comprises the esterification product formed by the reaction of formula (I)

-   -   R₁COOH (I)         and formula (II)     -   R₂COOH (II)         or the corresponding esters, anhydrides, and/or acid chlorides         of formula (I) and/or formula (II), with formula (III)

R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of an aromatic or an alkyl-substituted aromatic group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms and a linear, branched, or cycloaliphatic alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

The term “affixing”, as used herein, refers to providing continuous and intimate contact between the plastisol and the substrate such that the fused plastisol remains on the substrate. For example, a plastisol can be affixed to a car underbody via spray coating the plastisol onto a car underbody and subjecting the coated car underbody to conditions to fuse the plastisol. The term “adhering” as used herein, refers to using an adhesive to affix a fused plastisol sheet to a substrate.

The term “esterification product”, as used herein, refers to the blend of “partial esters”, “mixed esters”, and “diesters” produced from the reaction of one or more carboxylic acids with a diol. The term “partial esters”, as used herein, refers to the reaction product wherein not all of the hydroxyls of a diol have fully reacted with a carboxylic acid. The term “mixed ester”, as used herein, refers to the reaction product wherein each of the hydroxyls of a diol has reacted with different carboxylic acids. The term “diester”, as used herein, refers to the reaction product wherein each hydroxyl of a diol has reacted with the same carboxylic acid. For example, if benzoic acid and toluic acid are reacted with 1-3-pentanediol, the esterification product can comprise the partial esters 1,3-pentanediol monobenzoate and 1,3-pentanediol monotoluate, the mixed ester 1,3-pentanediol benzoate/toluate, and the diesters 1,3-pentanediol dibenzoate and 1,3-pentanediol ditoluate. The term “the reaction product of formula (a) and/or formula (b) with formula (c)”, as used herein, is intended to include carboxylic acids and the corresponding esters, anhydrides, and/or acid chlorides of formula (a) and/or formula (b) as explicitly set forth in the claims.

The term “plastisol”, as used herein, refers to a liquid dispersion of polymeric resin particles, optionally with other ingredients, in a plasticizer. The term “fused plastisol”, as used herein, refers to the solid plastic material that is formed upon fusing the plastisol and subsequently cooling to a desired temperature. The term “fusing”, as used herein, refers to heating of the plastisol to a temperature sufficient to yield a solid structure with mechanical integrity.

The term “substrate”, as used herein, refers to the material that provides the surface onto which the plastisol is affixed.

An embodiment of the present invention is a plasticizer comprising the esterification product formed by the reaction of formula (I)

-   -   R₁COOH (I)         and formula (II)     -   R₂COOH (II)         or the corresponding esters, anhydrides, and/or acid chlorides         of formula (I) and/or formula (II), with formula (III)

-   -   R₁ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, tolyl, and         cyclohexyl and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of         methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, and i-propyl.

In one aspect, R₂ is selected from the group consisting of n-propyl and i-propyl.

One skilled in the art can readily make the above-identified plasticizers starting from commercially available chemicals for Formulas (I), (II), and (III) and using process conditions well known in the art. For example, the proportions of mixed esters formed when two carboxylic acids are used may be adjusted by varying the ratios of the two carboxylic acids.

The esterification product formed by the reactions of the carboxylic acids of formula (I) and formula (II) with the diol of formula (III) can contain several reaction products including (1) partial esters formed when not all of the of the hydroxyls of formula (III) are fully reacted with either formula (I) or formula (II), (2) mixed esters formed by the reaction of formula (I) with one hydroxyl of formula (III) and formula (II) with the other hydroxyl of formula (III) when R₁ and R₂ are different, and (3) diesters formed by the reaction of either formula (I) or formula (II) with both of the hydroxyls of formula (III).

In one aspect, the plasticizer comprises the esterification product formula (IV)

The esterification product comprises at least 10 weight percent of a mixed ester based on the total weight of the esterification product. Other examples of the amount of mixed ester based on the total weight of the esterification product include at least 15 weight percent, at least 20 weight percent, at least 25 weight percent, at least 30 weight percent, at least 40 weight percent, or at least 50 weight percent of a mixed ester. In one aspect, the amount of mixed ester ranges from 10 weight percent to 80 weight percent, 10 weight percent to 50 weight percent, 10 weight percent to 40 weight percent, 20 weight percent to 80 weight percent, 20 weight percent to 50 weight percent, or 20 weight percent to 50 weight percent, based on the total weight of the esterification product.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a plastisol comprising a polymeric component and a plasticizer. The plasticizer comprises the esterification product formed by the reaction of formula (I)

-   -   R₁COOH (I)         and formula (II)     -   R₂COOH (II)         or the corresponding esters, anhydrides, and/or acid chlorides         of formula (I) and/or formula (II), with formula (III)

wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of an aromatic or an alkyl-substituted aromatic group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms and a linear, branched, or cycloaliphatic alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.

In one aspect, R₁ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, tolyl, and cyclohexyl and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of n-propyl, i-propyl, and cyclohexyl. In one aspect, R₁ and R₂ are both cyclohexyl.

In one aspect, R₁ is phenyl and R₂ is tolyl and the ratio of phenyl to tolyl ranges from 0.05:20 to 20:0.05 based on the total amount of the esterification product. In other aspects, the ratio of phenyl to tolyl ranges from 0.1:10 to 10:0.1 or 0.1:5 to 5:0.1 or 0.5:1.5 to 1.5:0.5.

In one aspect, the plasticizer comprises the esterification product formula (IV)

wherein the esterification product comprises at least 10 weight percent of a mixed ester, based on the total weight of the esterification product. Other examples of the amount of mixed ester based on the total weight of the esterification product include at least 15 weight percent, at least 20 weight percent, at least 25 weight percent, at least 30 weight percent, at least 40 weight percent or at least 50 weight percent of a mixed ester. In one aspect, the amount of mixed ester ranges from 10 weight percent to 80 weight percent, 10 weight percent to 50 weight percent, 10 weight percent to 40 weight percent, 20 weight percent to 80 weight percent, 20 weight percent to 50 weight percent, or 20 weight percent to 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the esterification product.

In addition to the plasticizer, the plastisol comprises a polymeric component. In one aspect, the polymeric component comprises polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, an acrylic polymer, and/or a vinyl chloride-containing copolymer. In one aspect, the polymeric component comprises polyvinyl chloride and/or an acrylic polymer. In one aspect, the polymeric component comprises polyvinyl chloride and/or polyvinyl acetate. In one aspect, the polymeric component comprises polyvinyl chloride and/or vinyl chloride-containing copolymers comprising vinyl acetate. In one aspect, the polymeric component comprises polyvinyl chloride and vinyl chloride-containing copolymers comprising acrylic. In one aspect, the polymeric component comprises polyvinyl chloride.

The plastisol comprises plasticizer, polymeric component, and other components. Examples of other components include, but are not limited to, a second plasticizer, fillers, pigments, stabilizers, foaming agents, hollow materials, elastomeric materials, rheology control additives, and adhesion promoters. The amounts of plasticizer, polymeric component, and other components can vary widely. For example, in one aspect the plastisol comprises 10 weight percent to 70 weight percent plasticizer, 10 weight percent to 70 weight percent polymeric component, and 10 weight percent to 80 weight percent other components, each based on the total weight of the plastisol. Other examples include, 15 weight percent to 60 weight percent plasticizer, 15 weight percent to 60 weight percent polymeric component, and 10 weight percent to 60 weight percent other components; or 20 weight percent to 45 weight percent plasticizer, 20 weight percent to 45 weight percent polymeric component, and 10 weight percent to 50 weight percent other components.

The viscosity of the plastisol can vary over a wide range. In one aspect, the plastisol has a viscosity ranging from 5,000 centipoise (cP) to 200,000 cP using Brookfield viscosity measurement at 23° C. In other examples, the plastisol has a viscosity ranging from 30,000 cP to 120,000 cP or from 40,000 cP to 90,000 cP.

In one aspect, the plastisol comprises a second plasticizer. In one aspect the second plasticizer comprises phthalates; terephthalates; isophthalates; trimellitates; adipates; cyclohexanedicarboxylates; benzoates; phosphates; diesters of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, their oligomers, and mixtures thereof; citrates; succinates; alkyl sulfonates; fatty acid esters and epoxidized fatty acid esters; triglycerides and epoxidized triglycerides, optionally substituted; dianhydrohexitol diesters; pentaerythritol-based tetraesters; furan-based esters; other esters; ketals; and/or polymeric plasticizers. In another aspect, the second plasticizer comprises dioctyl terephthalate, diisooctyl phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate, tri-2-ethylhexyl trimellitate, di-2-propylheptyl phthalate, diisononyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate, diisoundecyl phthalate, ditridecyl phthalate, trioctyl trimellitate, triisononyl trimellitate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, isononyl benzoate, isodecyl benzoate, diisononyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate, dioctyl adipate, di-2-ethylhexyl adipate, triethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, and/or dibenzoates produced from mixtures of diethylene glycol and dipropylene glycol. In one aspect, the second plasticizer comprises dioctyl terephthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate, dioctyl adipate, di-2-ethylhexyl adipate, and/or triethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate. In one aspect, the second plasticizer comprises, di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate, diisononyl phthalate, and/or diisononyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate.

In one aspect, the plastisol comprises fillers. Nonlimiting examples of fillers include calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, silica, clay, mica, graphite, zinc oxide, and/or calcium oxide. In one aspect, the fillers comprise calcium carbonate.

The plastisol, in one aspect, can comprise stabilizers. Nonlimiting examples of stabilizers include metal soaps, epoxidized oils and epoxidized fatty acid esters, and/or organotin compounds.

In one aspect, the plastisol can be formulated or produced in a manner which incorporates more free volume into the fused plastisol. In one such technique, mechanical frothing may be applied to produce a foamed plastisol. In another aspect, a chemical foaming agent which results in a foamed structure after fusing is completed. One non-limiting example of such a foaming agent is azodicarbonamide. In one aspect, a catalyst is used along with the chemical foaming agent. In another aspect, foam stabilizers are used. In another aspect, hollow materials are incorporated into the plastisol. Nonlimiting examples of hollow materials include glass beads, microbeads, and/or microspheres, which can be produced from either inorganic or polymeric organic substances. In one aspect, the hollow materials are thermoplastic microspheres.

In one aspect, the plastisol comprises elastomeric materials. Nonlimiting examples of elastomeric materials include nitrile-butadiene rubber, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, chloroprene rubber, styrenated block copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, olefinic elastomers, olefinic copolymer elastomers, silicone elastomers, polysulfide elastomers, and/or polyurethane elastomers.

In another aspect, additives to control rheology can be incorporated into the plastisols. These may include secondary plasticizers or diluents. Examples of such additives include petroleum distillates; hydrocarbon oils such as, for example, mineral oil and mineral spirits; fatty acid esters; polyphenyl oligomers, optionally partially hydrogenated; and organic solvents. Conversely, thickeners may be added to boost viscosity as desired. Materials and techniques for adjusting plastisol rheology are well known in the art.

In one aspect, the plastisol comprises adhesion promoters. Nonlimiting examples of adhesion promoters include polyamidoamines, blocked isocyanates and isocyanurates, silanes, and/or epoxy resins.

In one aspect, the fused plastisol has a maximum Tan Delta (Tan δ_(max)) occurring between 20° C. and 50° C. and has Tan Delta at 30° C. (Tan δ_(30C)) ranging from 0.5 to 2.0, when measured on a sample nominally 0.6-0.7 mm thick, 3.2 mm wide, and 10-12 mm long using a Q800 Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer with a Tension Clamp at a strain of 0.1% and at a frequency of 1 Hz and a temperature ramp rate of 3° C./min.

In one aspect, Tan Delta at 30° C. (Tan δ_(30C)) ranges from 0.5 to 1.8 or 0.5 to 1.6 or 0.5 to 1.4 or 0.6 to 2.0 or 0.6 to 1.8 or 0.6 to 1.6 or 0.6 to 1.4 or 0.7 to 2.0 or 0.7 to 1.8 or 0.7 to 1.6 or 0.7 to 1.4. In one aspect, the maximum Tan Delta (Tan δ_(max)) occurs between 20° C. and 40° C. or 30° C. and 50° C.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of improving vibration damping of a substrate comprising affixing a plastisol to the substrate, wherein the plastisol comprises a polymeric component and a plasticizer. The plasticizer comprises the esterification product formed by the reaction of formula (I)

-   -   R₁COOH (I)         and formula (II)     -   R₂COOH (II)         or the corresponding esters, anhydrides, and/or acid chlorides         of formula (I) and/or formula (II), with formula (III)

wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of an aromatic or an alkyl-substituted aromatic group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms and a linear, branched, or cycloaliphatic alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.

All of the aspects of the plastisol described herein above can apply to the method of improving vibration damping of a substrate. These aspects include the options for R₁ and R₂ groups, plasticizer, the amount of mixed esters, polymeric component, the amounts of plasticizer, polymeric component, and other components in the plastisol, plastisol viscosity ranges, second plasticizers, fillers, stabilizers, foaming agents, hollow materials, elastomeric materials, rheology control additives, adhesion promoters, maximum Tan Delta and Tan Delta at 30° C.

The substrate is not particularly limited. In one aspect, the substrate is metal. In one aspect, the substrate comprises steel. In one aspect, the substrate comprises aluminum. In one aspect, the substrate is part of a wheeled vehicle. In another aspect, the substrate is on the underbody of a wheeled vehicle.

In one aspect, the method of affixing the plastisol onto the substrate comprises (a) applying the plastisol onto the substrate, (b) fusing the plastisol to produce a plastisol-covered substrate, and (c) cooling the plastisol-covered substrate to ambient temperatures. The method for applying the plastisol onto the substrate is not particularly limited. In one aspect, applying the plastisol onto the substrate comprises coating the substrate with the plastisol. Nonlimiting examples of coating include spray coating and/or extrusion coating.

In one aspect, the method of affixing the plastisol to the substrate comprises (a) fusing the plastisol into a sheet and (b) adhering the sheet to the substrate.

In one aspect, the fusing occurs at a temperature ranging from 100° C. to 220° C. for a time period ranging from 1 min to 2 hours. In another aspect, the fusing occurs at a temperature ranging from 140° C. to 180° C. for a time period ranging from 15 min. to 40 min.

Listed below are non-limiting embodiments.

-   -   A1. A plasticizer comprising the esterification product formed         by the reaction of formula (I)     -   R₁COOH (I)         and formula (II)     -   R₂COOH (II)         or the corresponding esters, anhydrides, and/or acid chlorides         of formula (I) and/or formula (II), with formula (III)

-   -   R₁ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, tolyl, and         cyclohexyl and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of         methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, and i-propyl.     -   A2. The plasticizer according to embodiment A1, wherein R2 is         selected from the group consisting of n-propyl and i-propyl.     -   A3. The plasticizer according to any of embodiments A1-A2,         wherein said plasticizer comprises said esterification product         formula (X)

and wherein said esterification product comprises at least 10 weight percent of a mixed ester, based on the total weight of said esterification product; wherein said esterification product comprises at least 15 weight percent, at least 20 weight percent, at least 25 weight percent, at least 30 weight percent, at least 40 weight percent, or at least 50 weight percent of a mixed ester.

-   -   B1. A plastisol comprising a polymeric component and a         plasticizer. The plasticizer comprises the esterification         product formed by the reaction of formula (I)     -   R₁COOH (I)         and formula (II)     -   R₂COOH (II)         or the corresponding esters, anhydrides, and/or acid chlorides         of formula (I) and/or formula (II), with formula (III)

R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of an aromatic or an alkyl-substituted aromatic group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms and linear, branched, or cycloaliphatic alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.

-   -   B2. A plastisol according to embodiment B1, wherein R₁ is         selected from the group consisting of phenyl, tolyl, and         cyclohexyl and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of         n-propyl, i-propyl, and cyclohexyl.     -   B3. A plastisol according to embodiment B2, wherein R₁ is         phenyl, and R₂ is tolyl and the ratio of phenyl to tolyl ranges         from 0.05:20 to 20:0.05 based on the total amount of said         esterification product; or wherein the ratio of phenyl to tolyl         ranges from 0.1:10 to 10:0.1 or 0.1:5 to 5:0.1 or 0.5:1.5 to         1.5:0.5.     -   B4. A plastisol according to any of embodiments B1-B3, wherein         said plasticizer comprises said esterification product formula         (X)

and wherein said esterification product comprises at least 10 weight percent of a mixed ester, based on the total weight of said esterification product; wherein said esterification product comprises at least 15 weight percent, at least 20 weight percent, at least 25 weight percent, at least 30 weight percent, at least 40 weight percent, or at least 50 weight percent of a mixed ester.

-   -   B5. The plastisol according to any of embodiments B1-B2, wherein         R₁ and R₂ are each cyclohexyl.     -   B6. The plastisol according to any of embodiments B1-B5,         comprising 10 weight percent to 70 weight percent of said         plasticizer, 10 weight percent to 70 weight percent of said         polymeric component, and 10 weight percent to 80 weight percent         of other components, each based on the total weight of said         plastisol, and wherein said other components comprise a second         plasticizer, fillers, pigments, stabilizers, foaming agents,         hollow materials, elastomeric materials, rheology control         additives, and/or adhesion promoters; or 15 weight percent to 60         weight percent of said plasticizer, 15 weight percent to 60         weight percent of said polymeric component, and 10 weight         percent to 60 weight percent of other components; or 20 weight         percent to 45 weight percent of said plasticizer, 20 weight         percent to 45 weight percent of said polymeric component, and 10         weight percent to 50 weight percent of other components.     -   B7. The plastisol according to any of embodiments B1-B6, wherein         the polymeric component comprises polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl         acetate, acrylic polymers, and/or vinyl chloride-containing         copolymers; or wherein the polymeric component comprises         polyvinyl chloride.     -   B8. The plastisol according to embodiment B7, wherein the         polymeric component comprises the polyvinyl chloride and the         acrylic polymer; the polyvinyl chloride and the polyvinyl         acetate; the polyvinyl chloride and the vinyl         chloride-containing copolymers comprising acetate; or the         polyvinyl chloride and the vinyl chloride-containing copolymers         comprising acrylic.     -   B9. The plastisol according to any of embodiments B1-B8, wherein         the plastisol has a viscosity ranging from 5,000 to 200,000 cP         using Brookfield viscosity measurement at 23° C.; wherein the         plastisol has a viscosity ranging from 30,000 to 120,000 cP; or         wherein the plastisol has a viscosity ranging from 40,000 to         90,000 cP.     -   B10. The plastisol according to any of embodiments B6-B9,         wherein the second plasticizer comprises phthalates;         terephthalates; isophthalates; trimellitates; adipates;         cyclohexanedicarboxylates; benzoates; phosphates; diesters of         ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, their oligomers, and mixtures         thereof; citrates; succinates; alkyl sulfonates; fatty acid         esters and epoxidized fatty acid esters; triglycerides and         epoxidized triglycerides, optionally substituted;         dianhydrohexitol diesters; pentaerythritol-based tetraesters;         furan-based esters; other esters; ketals; and/or polymeric         plasticizers; or wherein the second plasticizer comprises         dioctyl terephthalate, diisooctyl phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl         phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate, tri-2-ethylhexyl         trimellitate, di-2-propylheptyl phthalate, diisononyl phthalate,         diisodecyl phthalate, diisoundecyl phthalate, ditridecyl         phthalate, trioctyl trimellitate, triisononyl trimellitate,         2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, isononyl         benzoate, isodecyl benzoate, diisononyl         1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate, dioctyl adipate, di-2-ethylhexyl         adipate, triethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate, diethylene         glycol dibenzoate, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, and/or         dibenzoates produced from mixtures of diethylene glycol and         dipropylene glycol.     -   B11. The plastisol according to any of embodiments B6-B10,         wherein the fillers comprise calcium carbonate, magnesium         carbonate, silica, clay, mica, graphite, zinc oxide, and/or         calcium oxide; or the fillers comprise calcium carbonate.     -   B12. The plastisol according to any of embodiments B6-B11,         wherein the stabilizers comprise metal soaps, epoxidized oils         and epoxidized fatty acid esters, and/or organotin compounds.     -   B13. The plastisol according to any of embodiments B6-B12,         wherein the foaming agents comprise azodicarbonamide.     -   B14. The plastisol according to any of embodiments B6-B13,         wherein the hollow materials comprise inorganic or organic glass         beads, microbeads, and/or microspheres.     -   B15. The plastisol according to any of embodiments B6-B14,         wherein the elastomeric materials comprise nitrile-butadiene         rubber, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber,         styrene-butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene         monomer (EPDM) rubber, chloroprene rubber, styrenated block         copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, olefinic         elastomers, olefinic copolymer elastomers, silicone elastomers,         polysulfide elastomers, and/or polyurethane elastomers.     -   B16. The plastisol according to any of embodiments B6-B15,         wherein the rheology control additives comprise petroleum         distillates; mineral oil and/or mineral spirits; fatty acid         esters; polyphenyl oligomers; and/or organic solvents.     -   B17. The plastisol according to any of embodiments B6-B16,         wherein the adhesion promoters comprise polyamidoamines, blocked         isocyanates and isocyanurates, silanes, and/or epoxy resins.     -   B18. The plastisol according to any of embodiments B1-B17,         wherein the fused plastisol has a maximum Tan Delta (Tan         δ_(max)) occurring between 20° C. and 50° C. and has Tan Delta         at 30° C. (Tan δ_(30C)) ranging from 0.5 to 2.0, when measured         on a sample nominally 0.6-0.7 mm thick, 3.2 mm wide, and 10-12         mm long using a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer with a Tension Clamp         at a strain of 0.1% and at a frequency of 1 Hz and a temperature         ramp rate of 3° C./min.     -   B19. The plastisol according to embodiment B18, wherein the Tan         Delta at 30° C. (Tan δ_(30C)) ranges from 0.5 to 1.8 or 0.5 to         1.6 or 0.5 to 1.4 or 0.6 to 2.0 or 0.6 to 1.8 or 0.6 to 1.6 or         0.6 to 1.4 or 0.7 to 2.0 or 0.7 to 1.8 or 0.7 to 1.6 or 0.7 to         1.4.     -   B20. The plastisol according to any of embodiments B18-B19,         wherein the maximum Tan Delta (Tan δ_(max)) occurs between         20° C. and 40° C. or 30° C. and 50° C.     -   C1. A method of improving vibration damping of a substrate         comprising affixing a plastisol according to any of claims         B1-B20 onto a substrate.     -   C2. The method according to embodiment C1, wherein said affixing         comprises (a) applying said plastisol onto said substrate; (b)         fusing said plastisol to produce a plastisol-covered substrate;         and (c) cooling said plastisol-covered substrate to ambient         temperatures.     -   C3. The method according to embodiments C2, wherein said         applying said plastisol onto said substrate comprises coating         said substrate with said plastisol.     -   C4. The method according to embodiment C3, wherein said coating         comprises spray coating and/or extrusion coating.     -   C5. The method according to embodiments C1, wherein said         affixing comprises (a) fusing said plastisol into a sheet;         and (b) adhering said sheet to said substrate.     -   C6. The method according to any of embodiments C2-C5, wherein         said fusing occurs at a temperature ranging from 100° C. to         220° C. for a time period ranging from 1 min to 2 hours; or at a         temperature ranging from 140° C. to 180° C. for a time period         ranging from 15 min. to 40 min.     -   C7. The method according to any of embodiments C1-C6, wherein         said substrate is part of a wheeled vehicle.     -   C8. The method according to embodiment C7, wherein said         substrate is on the underbody of said wheeled vehicle

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. It will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is further intended that the specification be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following. 

We claim:
 1. A plasticizer comprising the esterification product formed by the reaction of formula (I) R₁COOH (I) and formula (II) R₂COOH (II) or the corresponding esters, anhydrides, and/or acid chlorides of formula (I) and/or formula (II), with formula (III)

wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, tolyl, and cyclohexyl and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, and i-propyl.
 2. The plasticizer according to claim 1, wherein said plasticizer comprises said esterification product formula (IV)

and wherein said esterification product comprises at least 10 weight percent of a mixed ester, based on the total weight of said esterification product.
 3. A plastisol comprising a polymeric component and a plasticizer wherein said plasticizer comprises the esterification product formed by the reaction of formula (I) R₁COOH (I) and/or formula (II) R₂COOH (II) or the corresponding esters, anhydrides, and/or acid chlorides of formula (I) and/or formula (II), with formula (III)

wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of an aromatic or an alkyl-substituted aromatic group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms and a linear, branched, or cycloaliphatic alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.
 4. The plastisol according to claim 3, wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, tolyl, and cyclohexyl and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of n-propyl, i-propyl, and cyclohexyl or wherein R₁ and R₂ are both cyclohexyl.
 5. The plastisol according to claim 3, wherein R₁ is phenyl and R₂ is tolyl and the ratio of phenyl to tolyl ranges from 0.05:20 to 20:0.05 based on the total amount of said esterification product.
 6. The plastisol according to claim 3, wherein said plasticizer comprises said esterification product formula (IV)

and wherein said esterification product comprises at least 10 weight percent of a mixed ester, based on the total weight of said esterification product.
 7. The plastisol according to claim 3, comprising 10 weight percent to 70 weight percent of said plasticizer, 10 weight percent to 70 weight percent of said polymeric component, and 10 weight percent to 80 weight percent of other components, each based on the total weight of said plastisol, and wherein said other components comprise a second plasticizer, fillers, pigments, stabilizers, foaming agents, hollow materials, elastomeric materials, rheology control additives, and/or adhesion promoters.
 8. The plastisol according to claim 3, wherein said polymeric component comprises polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, an acrylic polymer, and/or vinyl chloride-containing copolymers.
 9. The plastisol according to claim 3, wherein said second plasticizer comprises of phthalates; terephthalates; isophthalates; trimellitates; adipates; cyclohexanedicarboxylates; benzoates; phosphates; diesters of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, their oligomers, and mixtures thereof; citrates; succinates; alkyl sulfonates; fatty acid esters and epoxidized fatty acid esters; triglycerides and epoxidized triglycerides, optionally substituted; dianhydrohexitol diesters; pentaerythritol-based tetraesters; furan-based esters; other esters; ketals; and/or polymeric plasticizers.
 10. The plastisol according to claim 7, wherein said fillers comprise calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, silica, clay, mica, graphite, zinc oxide, and/or calcium oxide.
 11. The plastisol according to claim 7, wherein said rheology control additives comprise petroleum distillates; mineral oil and/or mineral spirits; fatty acid esters; polyphenyl oligomers; and/or organic solvents.
 12. The plastisol according to claim 3, wherein said fused plastisol has a maximum Tan Delta (Tan δ_(max)) occurring between 20° C. and 50° C. and has Tan Delta at 30° C. (Tan δ_(30C)) ranging from 0.5 to 2.0, when measured on a sample nominally 0.6-0.7 mm thick, 3.2 mm wide, and 10-12 mm long using a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer with a Tension Clamp at a strain of 0.1% and at a frequency of 1 Hz and a temperature ramp rate of 3° C./min.
 13. The plastisol according to claim 12, wherein said maximum Tan Delta (Tan δ_(max)) occurs between 20° C. and 40° C.
 14. A method of improving vibration damping of a substrate comprising affixing a plastisol onto said substrate, wherein said plastisol comprises a polymeric component and a plasticizer, wherein said plasticizer comprises the esterification product formed by the reaction of formula (I) R₁ COOH (I) and formula (II) R₂COOH (II) or the corresponding esters, anhydrides, and/or acid chlorides of formula (I) and/or formula (II), with formula (III)

wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of an aromatic or an alkyl-substituted aromatic group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms and a linear, branched, or cycloaliphatic alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said affixing comprises a. applying said plastisol onto said substrate; b. fusing said plastisol to produce a plastisol-covered substrate; and c. cooling said plastisol-covered substrate to ambient temperatures.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said applying said plastisol onto said substrate comprises coating said substrate with said plastisol.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said coating comprises spray coating and/or extrusion coating.
 18. The method according to claim 14, wherein said affixing comprises a. fusing said plastisol into a sheet; and b. adhering said sheet to said substrate.
 19. The method according to claim 15, wherein said fusing occurs at a temperature ranging from 100° C. to 220° C. for a time period ranging from 1 min to 2 hours.
 20. The method according to claim 14, wherein said substrate is part of a wheeled vehicle. 